On February 25, 2026, Akmal Saidov, Director of the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights, participated virtually in the High-Level Segment of the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

The opening ceremony featured addresses by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, as well as heads of state, foreign ministers, and leaders of delegations from UN member states.

In his speech, the head of the delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan presented the concept of "New Uzbekistan" in the field of ensuring and protecting human rights and freedoms, emphasizing steadfast commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, as well as to strengthening international cooperation and solidarity in the face of global challenges.

It was noted that the reforms being carried out in the country are implemented under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The updated "Uzbekistan – 2030" Strategy is regarded as a national "road map" for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and is aimed at ensuring social justice, strengthening the rule of law, and improving the quality of life of the population.

It was announced that a draft of the second National Strategy on Human Rights for 2026–2030 is being prepared, as well as the development of a National Program for Human Rights Education within the framework of the Fifth Phase of the UN World Programme.

Support was emphasized for the UN Secretary-General's "UN–80" initiatives and the UN High Commissioner's proposal to create a Global Alliance for Human Rights.

In 2026, Uzbekistan will host the Fifth Samarkand Forum on Human Rights, dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the International Covenants on Human Rights, as well as the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians.

For Information: The UN Human Rights Council opened its 61st regular session on February 23, 2026. Representatives from over 100 states are participating in the session. The agenda includes 29 interactive dialogues, thematic panels dedicated to digital technologies and the anniversary of the Durban Declaration, as well as the consideration of situations in specific countries and regions. The session will continue until March 31, 2026.

Press Service of the National Center of the

Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights